Field stabilization process OK’d

The school board approved another $30,031 expenditure for the synthetic turf field construction Thursday night.

That additional expense will bring the total cost of the project to $842,774. Purpose of the $30,000-plus addition is to assure stabilization of the soil under the field.

In his construction update presented to the board, Assistant Superintendent Kelly Hinshaw described the stabilization process as stirring in limestone to a depth of 12 inches and then rolling over the field to compact the soil.

Construction of the synthetic turf field began April 10. Topsoil has been removed and the retaining wall and sidewalk have been torn out.

Collection of cash, interest, pledges, in-kind donations and fence banner contracts totaled $311,255.62 on April 8, up from $289,000 as reported in March.

The project is scheduled to be completed by July 1, Hinshaw noted.

Other capital projects under way or in the planning stage were also reported to the board by Hinshaw.

n The Truman Elementary School entrance project plans are complete, the project is out for bids and big opening will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. The bids will be given to the board with a recommendation at the May 2 meeting.

This project will revamp the entrance to give office personnel a better line of sight to visitors.

n Hinshaw noted a change order for the Rolla High School cafeteria renovation project has lowered the cost of the project to $1,287,056.72.

The cost of kitchen equipment was $26,324.28 lower than expected in the bid.